Real Madrid tipped to bring back former coach as interim Carlo Ancelotti replacement

Real Madrid could be willing to take on Santiago Solari as an interim coach to cover the period between Carlo Ancelotti's expected departure and the time it takes to appoint a permanent replacement, a report has claimed.

After delivering two Champions League titles in four seasons since he returned to the Bernabeu in 2021, Ancelotti has, for the second time in his career, fallen victim to Madrid's stiff demands. This season's disappointing quarter-final exit, combined with relinquishing domestic control to Barcelona, is set to see the legendary Italian dismissed 12 months before his contract ends.

With Ancelotti looking likely to become Brazil's new head coach a year out from the 2026 World Cup, Madrid find themselves in the hunt for a new boss. Xabi Alonso is the preferred target, with Jurgen Klopp not entertaining a return to coaching just yet, and Bayer Leverkusen won't block talks.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Madrid are willing to have an interim take charge of the team for the tournament if a deal for Alonso, or someone else, cannot be signed off in time. Leverkusen end their season on 17 May, around four weeks before the Club World Cup begins. But La Liga doesn't wrap up for Madrid until 25 May, so the window for a handover is tight to say the least.

In the event of an interim appointment, for just a matter of weeks, Romano names Santiago Solari as the potential candidate.

COPE has reported that Ancelotti is expected to leave at the end of the domestic season, rather than departing any sooner – or staying on a bit longer to cover the Club World Cup. That strengthens the idea that an interim could be necessary for that short burst.

Solari, who made 217 appearances as a Madrid player from 2001 until 2005, was previously made interim head coach in October 2018 after Julen Lopetegui was sacked. He quickly signed a three-year contract as permanent boss, but was dismissed himself only a few months later.

The Argentine's record stood at 22 wins from 32 games, paying the price for a humbling Champions League exit against Ajax. Solari did at least win the old Club World Cup during his brief stint.

Madrid play their first game of the new tournament against Al Hilal on 18 June in Miami.

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